PerkinElmer

Articles by PerkinElmer

Laboratories performing trace elemental analysis are facing growing sample volumes without corresponding increases in staff. Rising electricity and argon costs, complex sample matrices, and stringent detection-limit requirements add to operational pressures. The Avio® 3000 inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) addresses these challenges through a ground-up redesign of its plasma generator, optical spectrometer, and detector. Its air-cooled plasma generator eliminates the need for a liquid chiller while reducing argon consumption by up to 50% compared with older helical-coil instruments. A back-side illuminated complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor detector assigns each pixel its own exposure time, increasing throughput by approximately 40% compared with the Avio 550 Max system. The Avio 3000 also demonstrated high-throughput performance under challenging analytical conditions. In wastewater testing using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 200.7 across 33 elements, the system processed 178 samples in 8 hours. Signal drift remained below 10% in a 15% sodium chloride matrix without internal standard correction, while most elements showed relative standard deviations below 1%. Beyond analytical performance, the instrument's design can reduce ongoing operating costs. A cost-of-ownership model estimates that savings from reduced chiller electricity, air conditioning, argon consumption, and maintenance could amount to approximately $7,000 per year, or about $49,000 over a 7-year instrument life.

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As laboratories face increasing demands to analyze complex samples quickly, accurately, and in compliance with rigorous standards, FTIR microscopy is evolving to meet the challenge. This paper offers a practical look at how innovations in imaging, automation, and spectral analysis are streamlining workflows and improving reproducibility in real-world lab environments. Techniques that simplify tasks such as contaminant detection, polymer layer analysis, microplastics characterization, and pharmaceutical QA/QC are also explored. Whether focused on high-throughput quality control or advanced materials research, this paper will provide actionable strategies to enhance your FTIR microscopy practice and stay ahead of evolving analytical needs.

Advanced Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and microscopy enable efficient material identification, quality control, and troubleshooting throughout the packaging value chain. This article highlights modern tools like PerkinElmer’s Spectrum Two Polymer ID Analyzer and Spotlight™ Aurora FTIR Microscope, which streamline raw material analysis, resolve multilayer laminate issues, and support circular economy goals through improved recycling and microplastics characterization.